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  “Hey boy, what a day, eh!” He dropped to the ground next to the big grey horse. It was such a relief to not have to stand on legs that felt like they were made of jelly. Relishing the temporary respite from all the madness, he dropped his head into his hands and took a few deep breaths. It was finally over!

  At the sound of someone approaching, he sighed and lifted his head. To his surprise, Leah dropped down beside him.

  She smiled, and nudged him. “Hey you, how’s it going?”

  He grinned, and nudged her back. “Yeah, not bad. I was just sitting here planning my next adventure!”

  She chuckled. “Yeah right!”

  Her eyes really were the most gorgeous blue. He groaned silently as he felt his face burning. Why couldn’t he just act normal around her?

  She leaned into him, and laid her head on his shoulder. “You know, you look so cute when you blush like that.”

  Raff’s mouth gaped open, his mind unable to grasp what she’d just said. Cute? Him?

  She sighed. “Do you think anybody would notice if we just stayed here like this forever?”

  Raff was so happy he thought his heart would burst. “I won’t tell if you don’t!” He chuckled, putting his arm around her and snuggling in closer.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  - Lyricus -

  Belle’s first thought after all the excitement was to send a message to the wolf, thanking him for his help. The wolf bowed his head slightly, and loped back off into the trees. She hugged Leah and Raff, laughing, and marvelling at what they had accomplished. And then Lyricus stood in front of them, telling them how amazing they all were, but looking directly into her eyes. She smiled shyly at him, her stomach doing backflips, as his eyes lit up at her acknowledgement.

  She looked around for Raff and Leah,

  and spied them sitting and talking by the horses. She almost applauded when Leah’s head dropped onto Raff’s shoulder. It was about time!

  Midnight was contentedly cropping grass nearby, and she couldn’t resist the urge to surprise him.

  So, did you miss me? Her mind touched his softly.

  Midnight’s head flew up, his eyes meeting hers. Of course. And I see you have also discovered how to return my communication. His voice flowed smoothly into her mind, so different from the staccato tapping of the spider’s voice.

  I have learned a lot in such a short time. It has been a very long day!

  I look forward to hearing all about it when you have the time. He lowered his head back to the grass, and continued grazing.

  Her eyes returned to Lyricus, and she almost laughed at the confused look on his face. He had obviously been watching her, and wondering what she was doing.

  “Sorry Lyricus, I was just talking to Midnight. Now what were you saying?” This time she did burst out laughing at the look on his face.

  * * *

  Belle had been surprised by the cheering and excitement they’d encountered as they rode up to the suspension bridges leading to the Oracle’s home. Seeing her confusion, Lyricus had moved his horse closer. He leaned towards her, and explained that when Midnight, Solange and Rogue had returned alone, the Oracle had immediately known something was wrong. He’d sent the elven warriors to their aid. Belle had just nodded, unable to speak while his leg was brushing up against hers.

  Leah and Belle had trudged to their room, to find hot water ready for their bath, and a fresh evening dress laid out on their beds. They would both have loved to soak in the bath for hours, and then climb into bed, but they knew everyone would be gathered in the meeting room, waiting to hear the whole story.

  Now Belle sat at the table in the meeting room, feeling so full she thought she might burst. She felt happy and relaxed for the first time since... Well, she couldn’t really remember ever feeling this relaxed. During the course of dinner, the children had taken turns in relating the events of their day. Belle and Leah had grinned at each other over Raff’s obvious dilemma; that of being torn between stopping eating long enough to talk, and talking quickly enough so he could continue to eat.

  Belle turned to Madame Persimmons and smiled. “Okay, so Madame Persimmons, I think it’s your turn? We were so worried when we heard what happened at the Fey Academy!”

  All eyes turned to Madame Persimmons, as she told them what had happened since she’d last seen them. After leaving the Fey Academy, they had travelled to the village, where Tyranius had a secluded house ready for their arrival. Madame Persimmons had been locked in a bedroom, where she had spent the rest of the day, and that night, worried sick about the children’s safety. She had overheard Tyranius dispatching messages to his many spies to search for the children.

  She frowned. “He burst into the room just before daybreak, and said he knew where you were. I was horrified. He informed me that extracting information was always possible, if one used the appropriate leverage. I shudder to think what he must have done to the poor informant. When we stepped outside, and I saw the carriage had been replaced with saddled horses, my heart sunk. I knew the one place you wouldn’t take a carriage was into the forest. He had also sent for reinforcements. At least twenty mounted guards stood waiting for us to mount.”

  Madame Persimmons stopped, and raised her glass to her lips, her hand shaking. “Anyway, he knew exactly where you were. Dominic, Dub and the elves didn’t stand a chance. He told them he would be watching them from the trees, and we waited. The rest you already know.” She smiled at the three children, her eyes shining. “What you three children accomplished today was nothing short of a miracle.”

  Raff was grinning from ear to ear. “So what happens now?”

  “Well, as far as you three are concerned, it’s time to go back to school. I think we might leave the cleaning up to those with a little more experience at that sort of thing.”

  Raff’s face fell. “What, so no parade, or medal, or anything?”

  Laughter filled the room as poor Raff did his ‘pumpkin-head’ impersonation. Leah squeezed his hand under the table and looked into his eyes, and he was soon chuckling along with everyone else.

  * * *

  Belle slipped away when she thought no-one would notice, running down the walkway so she could escape the noise and spend some time with Midnight. The path was bathed in moonlight, allowing her to dispense with the torch she’d grabbed on the way out.

  Midnight’s mind touched hers as soon as she reached the ground. Finished celebrating already?

  Belle rubbed his soft, warm neck. Way too many people, and too much noise, for me. I’d rather hang out with you anyway.

  Well, I hope you weren’t counting on us being alone. It appears the elf, Lyricus, has followed you.

  Belle turned as Lyricus stepped off the walkway, a look of surprise on his handsome face.

  “How did you know I was here? My training usually allows me to sneak up on people without being heard.”

  Belle giggled. “Well, I have to be honest. I didn’t really hear you coming, Midnight told me you were.”

  Lyricus chuckled, his green eyes twinkling in the moonlight. “Aaah, of course! You have an unfair advantage. I must remember that. So you’re heading back to the Fey Academy tomorrow?”

  “Of course, where else would I go?”

  “Well, I was just wondering. Do students still go to the Fey Village on the weekends?”

  Belle smiled. “Yep, sure do. I’ve only been there once, it was awesome. Although, it didn’t exactly end well. That’s when we were attacked for the first time.” A shiver ran down her spine as she remembered the beast under the canopy.

  “Perhaps I could… ahem… meet you there one weekend, if it’s alright with Madame Persimmons and the Oracle?”

  Belle’s heart was beating so fast she thought she might pass out. “If you’d like to, that sounds great.”

  “Excellent, and I would definitely like to.” He chuckled, and then sighed. “Well, I had best return to the meeting room. I’d hate for the Oracle to need me and I wasn’t there.
I’ll see you back up there then?”

  Belle couldn’t control the goofy grin she knew must be on her face. “Absolutely, I’ll be back up soon.”

  Lyricus bowed, and headed back up the walkway.

  Midnight nudged her shoulder as she watched him leave. Hmmm, I think that one likes you. And I approve.

  Belle laughed, and threw her arms around his neck. Well, that’s a relief. I’d hate to see what would happen to poor Lyricus if you didn’t approve.

  Midnight tossed his head up and down in agreement. Fortunately, you probably won’t need to find out!

  Belle unwrapped her arms, and reached up to scratch his ears. Only probably?

  Midnight lowered his head to the lush grass, busily ripping the tops off the long blades, and chewing contentedly.

  Well, things can always change.

  End Of Book One

  About Jennifer

  Jennifer Redmile grew up on the beautiful northern beaches of Sydney NSW, Australia, and now lives in a remote Aboriginal Community in outback Alice Springs with her amazing husband, the love of her life, and two gorgeous puppy dogs.

  Always an avid reader, she first dared to cross the line from reader to author in 2014. Her debut novel, the first in the Middle-Grade series, The Children of When, written during NaNoWriMo in 2014 and published in 2015, was awarded the IndieBrag Medallion.

  After writing and publishing the second book in that series, Valleron, she ventured into the Young Adult world, eager to ‘play with’ older characters. Thus were born the paranormal romance Morwitch series, and the first in a light-hearted series entitled What Ghost?

  In the rare moments she’s not working, writing, reading or sleeping, she enjoys kicking back with a cup of tea with her husband, laughing at the realities of life in the non-fiction world.

  Connect with Jennifer

  Website

  Facebook

  Other Books by Jennifer Redmile

  The Children of When Series:

  Book 2: Valleron

  Book 3: Dragardia (coming)

  Morwitch Series:

  Book 1: Breaking the Rules

  Book 2: Changing the Rules

  What Ghost Series:

  Book 1: Welcome to Hellesville